The X 86 Microprocessors: Architecture, Programming and Interfacing (8086 to Pentium) 2nd Edition by Pearson

Introduction

What is multiprocessing?

Multiprocessing is a term used to indicate that the system contains multiple proces-

sors instead of a single processor (as is the case, usually). A ‘processor’ is defined as an

active entity having an instruction set of its own and the capability to execute instruc-

tions by itself. Let us list out in clear terms the significant advantages of multiprocessing

systems:

i) The system can be designed such that tasks may be allocated to special purpose

processors whose designs are optimized to perform certain types of tasks easily and

efficiently.

ii) It is seen that very high levels of performance are achievable ...